When to Remove Dead Branches From Evergreens

Evergreen dead branches need quick removal, regardless of the time of year. The most important factor in determining when to remove them is the weather -- and certain seasons cast more dangerous weather on evergreens than others.

Seasonal Timing

The safest time to trim evergreens is late winter and early spring. Seasonal timing is not important when it comes to removing dead branches. However, gardeners should remove them as soon as possible.

Weather

The only dangerous time to remove dead branches is during wet weather, which is common in winter and spring. Damp conditions may lead to the spread of disease or rot. Gardeners should wait for several days of dry weather before removing branches, according to the University of Idaho bulletin "How to Prune Coniferous Evergreen Trees."

Significance

Removing dead branches as soon as possible enhances the evergreen's health. The limb may have died from disease, in which case the illness could spread and harm other branches. Sometimes the dead branch also becomes a home for decaying organisms, according to the University of Florida.

References

• University of Idaho: How To Prune Coniferous Evergreen Trees
• University of Florida: Dead Branches in the Canopy